Anna Scher
Anna Valerie Scher MBE (26 December 1944 – 12 November 2023) was an Irish-born British teacher known for her contributions to drama education.[1]
Early life and education
Born in Cork, Ireland, she was the eldest of four daughters of Eric, a dentist of Lithuanian-Jewish descent, and Claire (née Hurwitz).[1][2] Scher was educated at St Angela's Convent in Cork, where she was the only Jewish student and developed an early interest in tap-dancing and stage performance.[1] Her early years were influenced by her involvement in the Cork Opera House until its destruction by fire in 1955.[2]
In 1959, the Scher family relocated to Hove, East Sussex, a move initiated by her father's desire to integrate into a larger Jewish community.[1][2] This transition presented Scher with new cultural and academic challenges, particularly at Hove Grammar School.[2] Her education continued at Hove Grammar School and Brighton School of Music and Art.[1] The period was further marked by familial conflict over Scher's career aspirations, culminating in her mother's departure from the family.[1][2]
Career
Scher's career in education began after attending Trent Park College of Education.[2] She started as a teacher at Ecclesbourne Junior School in Islington, where she introduced drama classes.[2][3] These classes grew in popularity and included future actors Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson among their attendees.[2] Confronted with a choice between her teaching role and her drama classes, Scher opted to leave the school and dedicate herself to drama education.[2]
Scher established the Anna Scher Theatre in 1975.[1] The theatre was distinctive for its lack of auditions and lengthy waiting list, which at one point reached 5,000 names.[1] In 2000, Scher experienced severe depression and stepped back from her role at the theatre.[1][3] When she attempted to return in 2002, she was prevented from doing so by the board of trustees, who had appointed a new principal. She then taught drama classes in a church hall.[1]
Scher was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013.[1][3]
Personal life
Sher was married to Charles Verrall from 1976 until his death, a month before her own in 2023.[1][3] They had a son, John.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Gilbey, Ryan (November 15, 2023). "Anna Scher obituary" – via The Guardian.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Anna Scher obituary". January 13, 2024 – via www.thetimes.co.uk.
- ^ a b c d O'Driscoll, Mike McGrath-Bryan & Des (November 13, 2023). "UK stars pay tribute to legendary Cork-born drama teacher Anna Scher". Irish Examiner.
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- 1944 births
- 2023 deaths
- Members of the Order of the British Empire
- 20th-century Irish women educators
- 20th-century Irish educators
- 21st-century Irish women educators
- 20th-century Irish Jews
- 21st-century Irish Jews
- 20th-century British women educators
- 21st-century British women educators
- 20th-century British Jews
- 21st-century British Jews
- Irish people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent
- British people of Lithuanian-Jewish descent
- Drama teachers